Numbers 25 presents us with a troubling passage: A priest kills two people with a spear and is commended by God! How do we reconcile a good and loving God with this Old Testament picture of God who rewards killing? And what do we learn from Phinehas the priest who carries out this execution?
In this sermon, we'll explore the difficult themes in Numbers 25 around God's judgment, human sinfulness, sexual immorality, idolatry, and the zeal of Phinehas. While the account may seem jarring at first, we'll dive deeper to understand:
*God's holiness and righteousness that requires punishment of sin
*The severity of Israel's rebellion through pagan worship and sexual immorality
*Phinehas' passionate zeal to stand for God's glory in the midst of blasphemy
*How God rewarded and made a covenant of peace with Phinehas
God is not calling us to kill like Phinehas did. However, the New Testament tells us God does welcome and reward a zeal for Christ and for the ways of Christ. We'll discuss how to pursue this righteous zeal. Ultimately, we'll see how Jesus is the perfect picture of godly zeal. Jesus is a better priest than Phinehas, who made a better atonement, and accomplished a better peace! Join us at http://cefc.church
Fighting A Temptation To Sin
May 19, 2024 • Shad Baker • Numbers 25
How do we fight a temptation to sin? Every person is susceptible to temptation, even those who have enjoyed a close relationship with God. This passage in Numbers 25 teaches us:
1. You are never so blessed you can’t be tempted.
2. The tactics of the enemy are tricky.
3. Fear the Lord: God takes sin seriously.
4. Love the Lord: God loves you jealously!
When God Is For You
May 12, 2024 • Shad Baker • Numbers 23
In this passage, we see God's sovereignty over everyone, everything, everywhere. King Balak of Moab wants his hired prophet, Balaam, to curse the people of Israel. Instead of cursing them, Balaam questions how he can curse those whom God has not cursed and sees the Israelites as a unique and blessed people, set apart from other nations. When Balak questions why Balaam blessed his enemies instead of cursing them, Balaam responds that he can only speak the words that God puts in his mouth. In Romans 8:31, we read that if God is for us who can be against us. We are imperfect people; we are cursed by the sin of this world. But God still blesses those he loves. Join us at http://cefc.church
You're Still Going The Wrong Direction! (part 2)
May 5, 2024 • Shad Baker • Numbers 22
Imagine if you were headed in a direction you thought was right but you kept encountering unexpected interruptions and obstacles. Would you get mad or curious? Would you turn to God or would you lash out in frustration? Our response to interruptions reveals our heart and makes it obvious whether we are intent on our own plans or whether we are open to God’s direction. In Numbers 22:22-35 Balaam, the prophet, is so fixated on his own desires that he remains oblivious to God’s direction, and it nearly costs him his life! Finally, God supernaturally speaks through a donkey to stop the prophet's madness. Join us at http://cefc.church
You're Going The Wrong Direction!
April 28, 2024 • Shad Baker • Numbers 22
Have you ever wanted something so badly you asked God for it again and again? What if you wanted something so badly you were willing to defy God's clear instructions? Numbers 22 introduces us to a very spiritual man who does something very foolish: he pursues his will instead of God’s will. Balaam stubbornly chases his own desires instead of following God’s instruction.
This passage warns us of the blinding dangers of chasing our own will and points us to the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. In this message you will learn:
How Balaam's greed for wealth and prestige blinded him to God's will
How we often battle against what God wants for us
How to cultivate a heart that is surrendered to God's purposes in Christ Jesus
